Finding places to eat healthy in Austin might seem challenging at first, especially in a city famous for its indulgent BBQ and Tex-Mex scene. However, the city has quietly transformed into one of the healthiest food hubs in the United States. Healthy Restaurants in Austin now provide a diverse selection of wholesome meals, fresh ingredients, and wellness-focused dining experiences that make eating clean simple and enjoyable.
Austin’s health-conscious food culture isn’t just a trend it’s a lifestyle embraced by locals who prioritize fitness, outdoor activities, and mindful nutrition. From sunrise yoga near Lady Bird Lake to bike-friendly neighborhoods, wellness is deeply woven into daily life. As a result, restaurants across the city are serving plant-based dishes, organic ingredients, and diet-friendly menus, making healthy eating a standard rather than an exception.
Quick Picks for Healthy Dining in Austin
- Downtown Delight: The Well – Perfect for a wholesome meal right in the heart of the city.
- Budget-Friendly Eats: Honest Mary’s – Delicious options that won’t break the bank.
- Vegan Favorites: Citizen Eatery – Creative, plant-based dishes for every palate.
- Farm-to-Table Excellence: Casa de Luz – Fresh, locally-sourced ingredients in every bite.
- Bowl Perfection: Sweetgreen – Nutrient-packed bowls that satisfy both taste and health goals.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: Picnik – Safe, tasty options without sacrificing flavor.
- Ideal Lunch Spot: True Food Kitchen – Light, energizing meals to power your afternoon.
- Brunch Goals: Blenders & Bowls – Healthy, Instagram-worthy brunches to start your day right.
- Meal Prep Masters: Juiceland – Convenient, nutrient-dense meals and juices for on-the-go living.
The 10 Best Healthy Restaurants in Austin
1. The Well
Located on 2nd Street in downtown Austin, The Well has earned its reputation as one of the city’s premier wellness restaurants. This sit-down establishment goes beyond simply offering healthy options—their entire menu is gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, refined sugar-free, and non-GMO.
The Well sources locally when possible and uses only organic produce for anything on the “Dirty Dozen” list. They cook exclusively with anti-inflammatory oils like olive, coconut, and avocado oil. The coconut curry squash with chicken is a customer favorite, while their beet salad and ceviche make perfect starters. The atmosphere is upscale yet welcoming, making it ideal for date nights or special occasions where you want to eat well without sacrificing ambiance.
2. Sweetgreen
If you’re looking for build-your-own healthy bowls in Austin, Sweetgreen consistently delivers fresh and customizable options. This fast-casual spot recently switched to using anti-inflammatory olive oil across their menu, reinforcing their commitment to clean eating practices. The counter-service setup lets you build your own creation or choose from their signature bowls.
Start with a base of mixed greens or whole grains, then pile on your choice of proteins, vegetables, and house-made dressings. The autumn harvest bowl with added chicken provides a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and nutrient-dense. With locations throughout Austin, including downtown, it’s a convenient option when you need healthy takeout that doesn’t compromise on quality.
3. Casa de Luz
This isn’t just a restaurant it’s an experience. Casa de Luz operates as a community center offering macrobiotic, ayurvedic, and completely vegan meals. Everything served here is organic and gluten-free, making it a safe haven for those with dietary restrictions.
The menu changes daily but follows a consistent format: soup, salad, and an entree that typically includes beans, rice, greens (often kale with almond sauce), and seasonal vegetables. At just $14 for a complete meal, it’s arguably the best deal among healthy restaurants in Austin TX. The peaceful, communal atmosphere adds to the nourishing experience, making you feel refreshed inside and out.
4. Picnik
For anyone dealing with food allergies or sensitivities, Picnik is a lifesaver. Their entire menu is free from gluten, corn, soy, and peanuts making it genuinely safe for people with serious dietary concerns. Despite these restrictions, nothing about the food feels limiting.
The Harvest Hash is a crowd-pleaser, while their loaded guacamole and creamy vegan queso prove that allergen-free doesn’t mean flavor-free. They have a full restaurant on Burnet Road and a grab-and-go truck on South Lamar. Picnik also caters to keto friendly diets, with plenty of high-fat, low-carb options that keep you satisfied throughout the day.
5. True Food Kitchen
When you want a more elevated dining experience without straying from your wellness goals, True Food Kitchen hits the mark. Their menu is thoughtfully designed around anti-inflammatory ingredients and seasonal produce. The ancient grains bowl featuring miso-sesame glazed sweet potato, turmeric, charred onion, snap peas, grilled portobello, avocado, and hemp seeds exemplifies their approach to nutritious food that tastes incredible.
This is one of the best options for a healthy dinner in Austin when you want table service and a slightly upscale atmosphere. The staff is knowledgeable about ingredients and accommodating to special dietary needs, making it easy to stick to paleo, keto, or other eating plans.
6. Honest Mary’s
Honest Mary’s represents the new wave of fast-casual health food spots in Austin. Their build-your-own bowl concept lets you customize meals to fit any dietary preference. Start with basmati rice or organic spinach, add your protein choice, then load up with fresh vegetables and superfoods.
The Sedona Lime bowl—with organic spinach, black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, pumpkin seeds, and cashew lime crema—is incredibly satisfying. Most bowls can easily be modified to fit paleo or low carb requirements. The portions are generous without being overwhelming, and the prices are reasonable compared to other healthy lunch spots in Austin.
7. Citizen Eatery
Citizen Eatery proves that plant based restaurants don’t need fake meat or excessive soy products to create satisfying meals. This eco-friendly, vegetarian restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, highlighting scratch-made meals prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Their tofu scramble rivals any egg-based version, while their veggie burgers are substantial enough to please even skeptical carnivores. The entire menu is designed with gut health in mind, incorporating fermented foods and probiotic-rich ingredients. It’s a favorite among those seeking vegan healthy restaurants that prioritize whole foods over processed alternatives.
8. Juiceland
With locations scattered throughout Austin, Juiceland makes accessing healthy food almost effortless. While they’re known for their fresh-pressed juices and smoothies, the real secret is ordering smoothies as bowls. The Originator bowl provides a complete meal with crunchy toppings that make it feel more substantial than drinking a smoothie.
They also offer wraps and salads if you need something more traditional. The menu changes seasonally, and they often feature daily specials at discounted prices. For quick, affordable, and genuinely nutritious meals, Juiceland is hard to beat—especially when you’re looking for healthy fast casual options on the go.
9. Blenders & Bowls
Connected to Wanderlust Yoga downtown, Blenders & Bowls embodies the wellness lifestyle Austin is known for. The concept is simple: fuel your body before or after a workout with nutrient-dense smoothies, acai bowls, or customizable oatmeal bowls.
The acai bowls are loaded with antioxidant-rich toppings like fresh berries, cacao nibs, and granola. The build-your-own oatmeal option lets you control exactly what goes into your breakfast. With multiple locations across Austin, it’s a reliable choice for a healthy brunch that won’t leave you sluggish.
10. Koriente
Often overlooked in discussions about Austin healthy dining, Koriente serves Asian-inspired bowls focused on lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains. The Mixmix Bibimbap is endlessly customizable, letting you pack in as many vegetables as you want alongside your choice of protein.
Their portions are generous, and the flavors are bold without relying on excessive oil or sodium. It’s an excellent option when you want low calorie meals that don’t feel like diet food. The fast-casual format makes it perfect for grabbing healthy takeout when time is limited.
Tips for Eating Healthy When Dining Out
Ask about cooking oils: Many restaurants now use anti-inflammatory oils like olive and avocado oil.
Customize your order: Austin restaurants are incredibly accommodating to special dietary requests.
Focus on whole foods: Look for menu items built around vegetables, whole grains, and quality proteins.
Explore food trucks: Austin’s food truck scene includes numerous affordable health food spots.
Navigating Dietary Preferences
Whether you’re following keto, paleo, managing food allergies, or simply eating more vegetables, you’ll find supportive options throughout Austin. The vegan restaurant scene has grown beyond salads to include sophisticated plant based cafes serving everything from artisan cheeses to elaborate tasting menus. Those avoiding gluten will appreciate that establishments like Picnik and The Well operate entirely gluten-free kitchens, eliminating cross-contamination concerns.
Conclusion
Austin has genuinely earned its reputation for healthy eating options that don’t sacrifice taste or experience. From upscale wellness restaurants to affordable fast-casual spots, the city offers choices for every budget and dietary preference. Whether you’re a local maintaining a clean eating lifestyle or a visitor wanting to stay on track while traveling, these healthy restaurants in Austin make it easy to eat well.
The key is exploring different options until you find your favorites. Try that superfood restaurant you’ve been curious about, order the organic bowl from a new food truck, or splurge on a special meal at a farm-to-table establishment. Austin’s healthy dining scene rewards exploration, offering new favorites around every corner.
Remember, eating healthy doesn’t mean eating boring. In Austin, it means enjoying fresh, flavorful meals that make you feel as good as they taste. So get out there and discover why this city has become a destination for anyone who believes that nutritious food should be delicious, accessible, and absolutely worth savoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Well on 2nd Street leads the pack for healthy restaurants in downtown Austin, offering an entirely gluten-free, dairy-free menu. Sweetgreen and Blenders & Bowls are also excellent downtown options. These spots combine convenience with quality, making them perfect for busy professionals or visitors exploring the city center. Each of these restaurants focuses on high-quality, fresh ingredients and provides flexible menu options to cater to different dietary needs.
Casa de Luz offers complete meals for just $14, making it one of the most affordable healthy options in the city. Honest Mary’s and Juiceland also provide nutritious meals at reasonable prices. Many food trucks throughout Austin serve health-conscious food at lower costs than traditional restaurants while maintaining ingredient quality. For cheap healthy options, look for lunch specials and consider ordering smoothie bowls instead of full meals at juice bars.
Citizen Eatery tops the list for plant based dining with its entirely vegetarian menu featuring no processed meat alternatives. Casa de Luz serves 100% organic vegan meals in a community setting. For more casual options, Juiceland locations throughout Austin offer extensive vegan selections. The city has embraced vegan dining enthusiastically, with new plant-based restaurants opening regularly that focus on whole foods rather than processed substitutes.
Picnik caters specifically to keto diets with their high-fat, low-carb menu that’s completely gluten-free. The Well also offers numerous keto-compatible options, and their staff can help modify dishes to fit your macros. Many health-conscious Austin eateries happily modify dishes for keto diets simply swap grains for extra vegetables and include healthy fats such as avocado. True Food Kitchen and Honest Mary’s even have bowls that can easily be adapted for keto.
Picnik operates an entirely gluten-free kitchen, eliminating any cross-contamination concerns. The Well also maintains a 100% gluten-free menu while offering sophisticated, flavorful dishes. Casa de Luz serves completely gluten-free vegan meals. Outside of specialized gluten-free restaurants, most healthy spots in Austin highlight gluten-free items on their menus and train staff to manage dietary requests with care.
Juiceland excels at quick, healthy takeout with multiple locations citywide. Sweetgreen offers online ordering that makes grabbing nutritious meals incredibly convenient. Honest Mary’s bowls travel well and provide balanced nutrition for those meal-prepping or needing healthy food on the go. Many establishments now offer family-style portions perfect for meal prep, and some Austin restaurants even specialize in prepared meal delivery services for health-conscious customers.
